Spending two days in this vibrant, skyscraper-lined city? There’s so much to cram in, from award-winning dim sum to record-breaking light shows. But, plan your Hong Kong itinerary well and you can cover a lot in a short time.
Here’s our sample itinerary which will show you how to do all your Hong Kong sightseeing in just 48 hours…
DAY 1
Daytime
See Hong Kong’s best bits and get your bearings in the city by spending your first day doing a guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour. You’ll be ferried from one spot to the next, get all the information you need and, best of all, you won’t miss out on a thing.
There are loads of unique sights and attractions in Hong Kong where you can experience the city’s unique culture, history and vibe. You’ll also need to leave plenty of room in your itinerary (and stomach) for sampling all that delicious cuisine.
Start your day off by taking a round trip on the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour. You’ll see all the main sights and skyscrapers and get amazing views of the Hong Kong skyline from the water. Then, after your ferry trip, head to the Golden Bauhinia Square to see the famous gold Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture and surrounding shopping districts. Make your way to Hollywood Road where you can ride the central-mid-levels escalator system (the longest in the world) around the shops, bars and restaurants in the area. Believe it or not, the escalator system is a tourist attraction in itself.
After a quick shopping spree, take the historic Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for a sweeping panoramic view of the city and its mountainous backdrop. As well as an epic viewing terrace, you’ll also find markets, shops, restaurants and Hong Kong’s very own Madame Tussauds to keep you busy too.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Tickets
Evening
If you really want to experience Hong Kong’s nightlife, head to the city’s best after dark hotspot, Lan Kwai Fong. This place is home to over 100 dining, drinking and clubbing options, offering something for every traveller. There’s a mix of classy high-end restaurants and bars plus budget eateries and laid-back pubs to choose from.
Hong Kong Island Tour – Red Route
DAY 2
After spending your first day exploring the best bits of Hong Kong Island, dedicate your second day to seeing Kowloon, Hong Kong’s historical side.
Start at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade where you’ll see the colonial-era clock tower and the Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood walk of fame featuring statues of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and many others. You’ll also enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Hong Kong Island skyline as you stroll along, so take plenty of selfies and panoramic pics.
For lunch, you can tuck into some authentic Cantonese food at a Dim Sum restaurant, with plenty to choose from. DimDimSum Dim Sum Specialty Store and Canton’s Dim Sum Expert are popular choices with visitors to the city. There’s also Tim’s Ho Wan, known as the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant.
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After lunch it’s time to get your culture fix. Take your pick from the Museum of Art, the Museum of History or the Museum of Science and learn more about Hong Kong culture. In the Museum of History, you’ll experience ‘The Hong Kong Story’. A permanent exhibition telling you the story of Hong Kong, from fishing village to being pretty much the world’s biggest global financial hub.
Hong Kong is also famous for being a major shopping destination with huge malls to small markets. If you fancy a bit of a shopping spree, take your pick from one of the many markets – Ladies market, Jade market and Temple Street market – to nab some souvenirs, mingle with the locals, and soak up the atmosphere. Check out our guide to Hong Kong's markets here.
Kowloon Tour – Blue Route, Stop: Temple Street Market
Evening
Make your way back to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade where you’ll find plenty of dining options – restaurants, food stalls and all varieties of cuisine. Make sure you’re right by the water for 8pm to see the Symphony of Lights show. This show is one of the biggest permanent laser and light shows in the world. It illuminates the Hong Kong skyline in colourful lights and dancing lasers that work in symphony to tracks by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
An alternative evening activity option is to get a sky-high view of the city from the Sky100 observation deck. It’s on the 100th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Kowloon, and gives you 360 degree views of the city. As well as impressive window views, you can also experience Futuristic, augmented reality exhibits and artistic projections here. And, there’s a café and gourmet restaurant onsite so you can grab a bite to eat. Afterwards, head up to the 118th floor to enjoy a cocktail at the Ozone bar, officially the highest bar in the world and the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of a packed day of sightseeing.
Kowloon Tour – Blue Route, Stop: Sky100
Sky100 Observation Deck Tickets
Sorted for your whistle-stop 48 hours in Hong Kong? Follow the itinerary above and you’ll get a great introduction to the city’s best bits, from museums and shopping districts to breath-taking views and top eateries. Enjoy!
